Instructions for Abbot Hailuan

**Building a monastery and establishing its rules** — such has been the way of wise and virtuous practitioners throughout history. Cultivating moral conduct and aligning with rites and music are the true foundations of an abbot’s leadership.

Ultimately, to support and uphold the tradition of Buddhism, the right person is required. Now, this monastery is well-ordered, the meals are clean and simple, and visiting monks from all directions look up to it with boundless admiration. They have also invited this mountain monk to speak on the highest truths, to guide beginners forward — and more and more are always welcome.

If you are willing, right here, to remain modest and conceal your brilliance, letting worldly affairs follow their natural course, and truly investigate this matter to its end — what difficulty could there be?

But my frail body cannot stay for long, and now I must leave. I write this tangled thread of words in return for your kindness.